Off the Fence has taken on the rights to two new premium nature-based titles produced for ARTE by DocYard TV.
DocYard TV was founded by ex-Off the Fence Productions exec Andrew Zikking. The deal was negotiated with Zikking by Loren Baxter, head of acquisitions at OTF, and covers two two-parters: Hidden Kingdom: Kalahari and Ancient Eden: Mayan Jungle.
Zikking, founder of Bristol-based DocYard and EP of both shows, said: ‘Launching DocYard during such changing times in factual television, I knew we would need to do things differently to get any projects off the ground. For Ancient Eden, having worked with Dan O’Neill on many series together, it’s a perfect collaboration and the first of many. He is not only an exceptional on-screen talent but has also spent 15 years in deep conservation work, and his incredible understanding and knowledge are extremely valuable. Collaborating more with filmmakers and researchers on the ground, and giving them a bigger role in a project, is a win-win right now—we can get access to the most extraordinary locations, footage, and research projects that deserve the spotlight, whilst being able to harness authentic scientific expertise that many broadcasters want, all crucially, at a budget they, and we, can afford. It’s not easy, but then again, nothing is right now. But also partnering with my long-standing colleagues at OTF puts a special detail on this deal—they are best placed to make these shows accessible to as many broadcasters, streamers, platforms, and channels to allow audiences wherever they are to step into these worlds.”
Missed our conversation with Off the Fence CEO Bo Stehmeier ahead of Sunny Side of the Doc? Read/watch here.
Off the Fence has done several innovative partnerships as of late to deliver premium natural history worldwide, including collaborating with John Downer Productions and One Tribe TV.
